As one of the first states in the nation, Massachusetts certainly has its fair share of historical spots and landmarks. In fact, this state offers plenty of hikes that will lead you to fascinating ruins, historical markers, and relics of the past. Here are some of the best hikes in Massachusetts for history lovers.
1. Bernard Farm Trail, Mount Greylock State Reservation
The Bernard Farm trail will take you up the side of Mount Greylock and straight to the wreckage of a plane that crashed in 1988. The aircraft went down with three passengers, with only the pilot surviving the impact. This trail is about 3.7 miles long and gains 1,200 feet in elevation, so get ready for an uphill adventure.
2. Battle Road Trail, Lexington
The Battle Road trail will lead you through Minute Man National Historic Park and straight across one of the most famous battlefields of the American Revolution. This is the spot where the "shot heard ‘round the world" was fired! There’s also plenty of gorgeous parkland and preserved colonial structures to admire.
3. Schoolmaster Hill, Franklin Park
Looking to add a touch of magic to your next outdoor adventure? This easy, family-friendly hike near Boston and Roxbury will take you across Franklin Park and to Schoolmaster Hill, the site of a large stone ruin that dates back to 1800s.
Learn more about this hike here.
4. Eyrie House Ruins, Holyoke
The Eyrie House ruins in Mount Tom Reservation can be reached via a 2-mile hike that starts at Christopher Clark Road and winds uphill past the ranger station. The ruins look like an abandoned fairytale castle, but are actually the remains of a luxury hotel that burned down in 1901.
5. Dinosaur Footprints, Holyoke
If you want to go way back in time, then head over to The Dinosaur Footprints Reservation in Holyoke. There you’ll find hundreds of real dino footprints embedded in the ground, including the massive footprints of a Tyrannosaurus rex. Admission is free and the trail is easy enough for small kids.
6. The Becket Land Trust Historic Quarry and Forest, Becket
Looking for a peaceful ramble through the woods with a side of fascinating industrial ruins? This spot is for you. The Becket Land Trust Historic Quarry and Forest is home to real antique cars, machinery, and equipment that was left to rust in place after the quarry was abandoned in the 1960s. However, some of the artifacts to be found here are more than 100 years old. It’s a crime to remove or damage any of the antique items here, so please respect this unique historical spot.
7. Provincetown Monument, Provincetown
If you’re someone who prefers their hikes to be short, challenging, and not too far into the wilderness, the climb to the top of the P-Town monument may be just the thing! It was built in 1910 and rises a staggering 350 feet above sea level. The climb involves going up ramps rather than steps, but you may still need to pause and catch your breath. Once at the top, however, you can enjoy panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay.
There are plenty of gorgeous hikes in Massachusetts that will take you to fascinating historical sites, and these are just a few! What are your favorite historical trails and adventures in the Bay State? Let us know!
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